Expert: Eileen Cronk - 1/31/2005

Question
Helloo Eileen,

I saw your name at All experts and thought you could be the expert we are looking for. If you have a moment, I would greatly appreciate it.

http://www.explodedview.tv/farmboy/sets/john_reading.jpg

This picture was taken at the HE Babcock farm house in Ithaca in 1932(3). As part of a documentary we are trying to recreate the scene as best we can.  Does this sofa and lamp look like something you have seen or can help identify?  The sofa I believe is older than 1930's by 10-25 years, the lamp I am not sure, from the 20's?

Any help would be great - we are looking for a museum that might have these pieces and allow a recreated setup for the film.  Thanks in advance.

Andri Goncarovs

607-227-2806

401 - e state street Ithaca NY 14850

Lead Research "FarmBoy" project - You will be credited in the film. Thanks again.  

Answer
Hi Andy
Nice to hear from you.
This has to be the most unique question I have ever had.
Funny enough I owned an identical sofa when first married.
It happened to come with our first house..sofa and chair actually.
First I will try to date it..Hmmm...I have to go back a bit here :-)
We moved into the house in 1964, (40 years ago) the couch and chair were old then having been purchased new by the owner some 40 years prior.(so we were told). That would make it 1924.
We actually enjoyed this couch for a number of years as it was very comfortable.
It was covered in a dark burgundy plush...the one in your photo is also (of course I cannot tell the color, but I have seen similar couches in dark green plush also.)
Surprisingly enough I still see couches like this come up for auction on occasion, but most were discarded over the years.
As to where it was made ...I don't think anyone could tell you that as these couches were produced all over North America (I live in Canada).
As far as a museum that may have something similar, I just don't know.
Could I suggest possibly contacting several and you could show them the photo.
The lamp appears to have a brass bottom (to me), I can tell you nothing else about it.
Thank you for this most interesting question, and I wish you great sucess with your project.
Regards
Eileen